Can a teacher smack you?
It is against the law for your teacher to ever hit you.
Can a parent smack you?
It is against the law for your parent or carer to smack you unless this is ‘reasonable punishment’.
Reasonable punishment depends on the situation, but no smack should leave more than a small and brief injury such as reddening of the skin, scratches or a graze.
If you are smacked and have a more severe injury, then the person who smacked you may have broken the law.
If, for example, you have been hurt in the following ways you should speak to an adult that you trust as soon as you can:
- Losing or breaking a tooth
- Breaking a bone
- Having lots of bruises
- Feeling very distressed
- Having cuts that need stitches.
If you have been hurt and you are not sure whether it is a small and brief injury you should speak to an adult that you trust as soon as you can.
If you need advice and help you can contact Childline for free or call them at any time on 0800 1111.
